Len Fa Farms

Squatchaponics

Okay. I will yield. Do you think I will be safe if I put one of those 4"x8" toppers under each one? That would greatly increase the surface area.

Stuart Chignell

Yeah....

What he said.

You won't get any sympathy later :naughty:

Will maybe a little cause we all have done stupid things even after being advised not to. Well I have anyway.

Squatchaponics

I'm sure I'm not giving proper respect to the weights involved.

So, do you think putting one of these under each stack will be reasonably safe?

Colum Black-Byron

The second time mine started sinking in heavy rain, it was sitting on a paver. I'd also recommend putting concrete below the paver, since I did that, it's not sunken at all.

Stuart Chignell

At least two side by side.

Squatchaponics

Stuart Chignell wrote:

At least two side by side.

I think they sell them as 16" squares as well... I'll probably just get those.
Grrr... :upset:

Thought I was done digging.

Squatchaponics

All Hail Stuart! The dispeller of your false sense of security! :upset:

This sucks!

I know it's the right thing to do. But, it still sucks.

Stuart Chignell

Squatchaponics wrote:

I know it's the right thing to do. But, it still sucks.

My IBC sump didn't/doesn't have a footing and it has sunk on one side by about an inch. If a 1m x 1.2m tank can do that a besser block easily can.

I'm really hoping it doesn't get worse because if it does the pipe going through the side will start to leak. I really wish somone had said to me to add a footing at the time of installing it :oops:

Squatchaponics

Thanks Stuart. I'm positive you've averted a tragedy at Len Fa Farms.
:wav:

Squatchaponics

First load being off loaded into the driveway. I was able to carry 1.5 yards per trip so only 2 trips needed.

First load out. Off for the second load.

This is what 3 yards of unwashed black cinder looks like.

And so it begins, the washing, and the washing, and the washing.

First wheel-barrel load is in the bed.

It has occurred to me that the drain holes on the pipe I used for my media guards are too large. I think I'll cut some little patches and cover those holes with them using gorilla glue. Hope that works.

Colum Black-Byron

I think you'll find the holes won't be too large. Once the gravel settles, it won't move much, so won't fall through much.

Some of my drainage holes are bigger than the gravel (not by much), but it's never been an issue.

Squatchaponics

Colum Black-Byron wrote:

I think you'll find the holes won't be too large. Once the gravel settles, it won't move much, so won't fall through much.

Some of my drainage holes are bigger than the gravel (not by much), but it's never been an issue.

That's good to know but I may try and glue some patch pieces on there anyway. It'd be a pain to try and do it after the beds are full. Never used gorilla glue before. Has anyone had experience using it on PVC?

Squatchaponics

Colum Black-Byron wrote:

I think you'll find the holes won't be too large. Once the gravel settles, it won't move much, so won't fall through much.

Some of my drainage holes are bigger than the gravel (not by much), but it's never been an issue.

Actually, I got lazy to stop by the store for gorilla glue. I filled the first bed and, like you said, the holes don't seem to make any difference at all. Two more beds to go. :thumbleft:

sandiegonewb

Squatchaponics wrote:

I'm nearly ready for rocks!

I managed to finish off the plumbing. Nothing is glued yet. I want to be able to make changes if needed after
rocks are added. I also built the surround for the fish tank. I still need to make the lid. I'll probably make a little
mini surround for the sump tank since it does get some direct sun at certain times of the day. As you can see, I
have water running to all three beds. I still need to make my bell siphons and media guards. I just need a few
more nicks and nacks for that. Most of the plumbing has been secured. I just need to make something a little
more permenant for the bits behind the fish tank. They are just resting on blocks at the moment. I'll probably
tackle that after I finish the lid for the fish tank. After that I suppose it will be time for paint and "make nice" stuff
for the wifey.

Beautiful system.

sandiegonewb

Your using black cinder as grow media? I currently am looking for a grow media. And never heard that this was an option. Do u have any recommendations?

Backyard Aquaponics A place to discuss aquaponics

Len Fa Farms

Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics